Exton native Matt Ryan, the NFL’s reigning MVP, will not return to the Super Bowl after his Atlanta Falcons lost in the playoffs to the Philadelphia Eagles, writes Mike Sielski for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Last year, the Falcons fell in the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots in overtime after holding a 25-point lead. This year, the critical moment was a fourth-and-goal from the two-yard line at Lincoln Financial Field against the team he rooted for as a child. Star receiver Julio Jones couldn’t haul in Ryan’s pass in the end zone, and the Eagles prevailed, 15-10.

“We’re certainly disappointed that we didn’t go further and get the job done, but next year’s a different year,” said Ryan, a Penn Charter graduate.

The 32-year-old is crafting a Hall of Fame career. Each of the last seven years, he has thrown for at least 4,000 yards.

“He’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever been around,” said Falcons coach Dan Quinn.

Read more about the game in the Philadelphia Inquirer here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of Matt Ryan here.